Twelve Photos of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
Sure, at US$13 per person Topkapi Palace is more expensive than most other sites in Istanbul. And no, that entrance fee doesn't cover everything. But on the other hand? Sometimes it's just awesome to see gorgeous examples of architecture and history and culture.

Frequently Asked QuestionsHannah: I love your site! I adore travelling, and while I'd love to do a long trip like your rtw 18 month one, it's not…

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Posted by Tim and Jessica on Mar 1, 2004

The following are stories written about our travels in Thailand. You can find stories set in other countries by returning to Places We've Been.

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Posted by Jessica on Feb 8, 2010

We passed through Bangkok four different times and stayed in the city for around two months. It was during our fourth visit that my assumptions and judgments about Bangkok finally slipped away.

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Posted by Tim on Sep 9, 2009

It was complete and utter madness. With all the water and paste and shouting and screaming, it looked just a bit like the end of the world, except that everyone was in a much better mood than I'd imagine they'd be in for the end of the world.

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Posted by Tim on Apr 27, 2009

His name was Maximus, and it was said that he was the tallest elephant in all of Thailand. Certainly the was the tallest ele in Elephant Nature Park. Estimated to be in his 70s, Max had an elegance and grace about him that belied his enormous size and defied his many injuries.

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Posted by Jessica on Apr 17, 2009

I have recently come to the realization that I am cursed. No matter how hard I try, I just cannot get my Pad Thai to taste like it did from the street carts in Bangkok. For the rest of my life, I will be forced to pay $1,600 in airfare every time I want to eat proper Pad Thai.

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Posted by Tim on Nov 8, 2008

In Thailand, expressing negative emotions (such as anger, frustration, or as in our case, panic) is simply not done. No matter how bad a situation is, you have to smile sweetly and stay calm at all costs. Getting visibly upset would be as offensive as if you had started spitting and cursing. Fortunately, we’d spent enough time in Thailand that it was instinctive for us. We stayed calm, and we smiled.